Concrete maturity is the relationship between concrete temperature, time and strength gain; it’s an important factor in determining the strength and durability of concrete and is taken into account when constructing buildings, bridges and other infrastructure.

How does concrete maturity work?

When concrete is first mixed, it’s a liquid mixture of cement, water, and aggregates. Over time, the cement and water react chemically, forming a solid structure that binds the aggregates together. This process is known as hydration, and it’s what gives concrete its strength and durability.

As the concrete hydrates, it generates heat, and this heat is a measure of the concrete’s maturity. The more heat that’s generated, the more mature the concrete is. 

Measuring concrete maturity

There are various ways to measure concrete maturity, but one of the most common is to use temperature sensors embedded within the concrete. These sensors measure the heat generated by the concrete as it hydrates, and this information can be used to calculate the concrete’s maturity. For example, Command Center has helped numerous clients save millions of dollars and countless hours of construction time by utilizing advanced technology to track the maturity and internal temperature of fresh in-place concrete. 

Why is concrete maturity important?

Concrete maturity is important because it affects the strength and durability of a concrete structure. By taking into account the maturity of the concrete, engineers and builders can ensure that a structure is strong and durable enough to withstand the stresses and strains it will face over its lifetime. This can help to prevent failures and other problems that could be costly and dangerous.

While concrete maturity alone does not indicate how strong the concrete is, concrete maturity is an important factor in determining concrete strength because it provides a measure of the concrete's development and the strength gain over time. By measuring concrete maturity, builders and engineers can estimate the strength of the concrete at any given time and determine whether it has reached the desired strength level.

To accurately determine concrete strength, concrete samples are typically tested in a laboratory using various methods, such as compressive strength tests through the use of specialized equipment. These tests provide a more precise measure of the concrete's strength than the maturity method alone.

On the other hand, If the maturity of the concrete is not measured, it can lead to several potential issues with the strength, durability, and overall quality of the concrete structure. For example, if the concrete is not allowed to mature fully before being subjected to stress or load, it may not have reached its full strength, which can cause it to crack or fail under the load. Alternatively, if the concrete is left to mature for too long, it can become excessively hard and brittle, which can also lead to cracking or failure.

Benefits of using maturity sensors for measuring concrete maturity

There are several benefits of using maturity sensors for measuring concrete maturity, including:

Greater efficiency: By using the maturity sensors, professionals can speed up the construction process by determining when the concrete has reached the desired strength more quickly, which can help to reduce construction time and costs.

Better quality control: By monitoring the maturity of the concrete, builders can identify any potential issues early on and take steps to correct them before they become major problems.

Enhanced safety: The maturity method can help to ensure that concrete structures are strong enough to withstand the stresses and strains they will face over their lifetime, which can help to prevent failures and other safety issues.

Increased durability: Concrete that has been allowed to mature properly will be stronger and more durable than concrete that hasn't, which can help to extend the lifespan of a structure and reduce the need for repairs and maintenance.